Sexual Development

Articles In This Section

• About Spermicide

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• Sexual Development

  Changes become more dramatic and complex with the onset of puberty, and kids are likely to have lots of questions. These articles can help you become a trusted source of information, comfort, and support for your kids.

• My 1-Year-Old Son Always Tries to Touch His Penis. Is This Masturbation?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Is It Normal for an 11-Year-Old Boy to Fondle Himself?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Understanding Early Sexual Development

  Young kids develop an emotional and physical foundation for sexuality in many subtle ways as they grow. By understanding how your kids grow and learn, you can play an important role in fostering their emotional and physical health.

• About the Birth Control Patch

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Birth Control Shot

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Birth Control Ring

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Fertility Awareness

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Emergency Contraception

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Withdrawal

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the IUD

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Abstinence

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Diaphragm

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Condoms

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Cervical Cap

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Birth Control Pill

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Birth Control: What Parents Need to Know

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• Sexual Orientation

  During the teen years, sexual feelings are awakened in new ways because of the hormonal and physical changes of puberty. It takes time for many kids to understand who they are and who they're becoming. Part of that understanding includes a person's sexual feelings and attractions.

• Should Girls Who Aren’t Sexually Active Be Vaccinated Against HPV?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• When Should My Daughter First Go to the Gynecologist?

  Find out what the experts say.

• How Can I Reassure My Daughter That She’ll Get Her Period?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• When Will a Girl’s Period Start?

  Find out what the experts have to say.